This history of adult education in England considers its role in the evolution from late-Victorian liberalism to 20th-century socialism. Emphasis is placed on the University of Oxford, whose leading contribution to this movement presents a revealing portrait of its influence on the nation.

`If you read only one book on the history of continuing education, this would be an excellent choice.' Jonathan Rose, Twentieth Century British History, Vol.11, No.2, 2000. supplies a vital missing chapter in the history of education. Twentieth Century British History, Vol.11, No.2, 2000. `Dons and workers is an ambitious attempt to assess the significance of this much neglected movement. The result is probably the fullest and livliest account to date of Oxford's role in creating the intelligentsia of Labor in the first part of the 20th century... a fascinating insight into adult education at Oxford.' Labor history. `thorough and fair account..Judicious, measured and well-written.' The Times Higher Education Supplement `This is an excellent book, thoroughly researched, prudent in its judgements and well written. Five of the eight chapters cover well-trodden ground, but with some new material and insights. It is in any case both convenient and interesting to have the whole Oxford experience surveyed in the same volume.' Bernard Jennings, University of Hull, Journal of Educational Administration and History, Volume 28, Number 2, July 1996 `Lawrence Goldman has a good story to tell and he tells it well, with style, erudition and commitment ... a very Oxford book ... redolent of that persistent mix of social commitment, elitism, high culture, intellectual and institutional self-confidence and "Oxford-centredness", which has characterised not only University adult education at Oxford but, in modern times, the University at large. Goldman's account of the origins of University Extension, within the institutional and cultural context of late nineteenth century Oxford, is rich and illuminating ... his touch and his style are sure and sound ... this ... is a major achievement ... beautifully written, with style, subtlety and elegance. As always, the Clarendon Press has done a superb job on the production. Goldman's book will become the standard work on this important topic ... he is to be congratulated and thanked for a fine study of lasting significance.' Richard Taylor, International Journal of Lifelong Education 02/05/1997 `very full account ... This is very much an academic book in the sense that Goldman examines everything in a disinterested fashion, basing his statements on available evidence of all kinds and not hesitating to evaluate the source material. He is remarkably evenhanded ... Yet this is not a dry-as-dust, passionless book.' Labour History Review, Vol. 61, No. 2, Summer 1996